For the last three weeks, girls have been given their first taste of trying out a new sport as part of the Girls Golf Rocks initiative at Barrow Golf Club.

Run jointly by England Golf and the Golf Foundation, the courses are being run across the country, including Barrow’s own course at Rakesmoor Lane.

Aimed at girls aged five to 18, it all started with a taster session on May 25, which attracted a dozen potential new young golfers, most of whom were handling a club for the first time.

Five of those then signed up for the six-week course in which they are being taught the basics of the game by Barrow’s PGA professional Paul Rawlinson.

“The taster session was an introduction to the basics - grip, stance, posture, alignment - and just getting them all to have a bit of fun,” Rawlinson said.

“In the next one, we focused on the short game around the greens and then we went back on the practice ground because they get a free golf club for signing up on the course, so they used their nine iron to learn how to get the ball into the air.

“They’ve all got smiles on their faces, so it must be good and it’s great to see them keep turning up.”

Part of the inclusive nature of the courses is for the girls to bring whichever attire they feel comfortable, with even trainers being allowed.

As well as being a chance to develop new skills, those involved are also being able to make new friends at a club that are actively looking to increase their female membership.

Rawlinson believes there are now far more opportunities to get into golf for young people as a whole, saying: “It’s great that we’re getting more young girls interested in the sport. They’ve got another four weeks and then we’re going to try to integrate them in a junior golf section.

“There are a lot more opportunities for all juniors, not just for girls. There’s a lot more coaching and competitions for younger ones now. As a golf club, we’re more proactive than most to get more things like this happening.”

There are still spaces on the Girls Golf Rocks course at Barrow, those interested can call the pro shop on 01229 825444.